Movies like Cartel (2025)
The best movies like Cartel (2025) are American Sicario (2021), Contraband (2012) and Out of the Furnace (2013). If Cartel hooked you with its crime, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedPulp Fiction (1994)8.5/10 from 31,302 votes
- NewestEvery Breath We Take (2026)Released 2026
American Sicario (2021)
The story of the rise and fall of the first American-born drug lord in Mexico, this tale of power, money, greed and betrayal amongst rival members of the drug cartels finds American gangster Erik Vasquez scheming to become the top dog in the Mexican underworld, only to find himself making enemies out of both the powerful cartels and his own allies.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
SnoozefestMovies like thisContraband (2012)
When his brother-in-law runs afoul of a drug lord, family man Chris Farraday turns to a skill he abandoned long ago—smuggling—to repay the debt. But the job goes wrong, and Farraday finds himself wanted by cops, crooks and killers alike.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOut of the Furnace (2013)
Two brothers live in the economically-depressed Rust Belt, when a cruel twist of fate lands one in prison. His brother is then lured into one of the most violent crime rings in the Northeast.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWe Die Young (2019)
Lucas, a 14-year-old boy inducted into the gang life in Washington D.C., is determined that his 10-year-old brother won't follow the same path. When an Afghanistan war veteran comes into the neighborhood, an opportunity arises.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisScarface (1983)
After getting a green card in exchange for assassinating a Cuban government official, Tony Montana stakes a claim on the drug trade in Miami. Viciously murdering anyone who stands in his way, Tony eventually becomes the biggest drug lord in the state, controlling nearly all the cocaine that comes through Miami. But increased pressure from the police, wars with Colombian drug cartels and his own drug-fueled paranoia serve to fuel the flames of his eventual downfall.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBelly (1998)
Tommy Bundy and Sincere are best friends as well as infamous and ruthless criminals and shot-callers in the hood. Respected by many but feared by all. As the police are closing in on them and new players are looking for a come up, will their reign last?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Art of the Steal (2013)
Crunch Calhoun, a third-rate motorcycle daredevil and part-time art thief, teams up with his snaky brother to steal one of the most valuable books in the world. But it's not just about the book for Crunch — he's keen to rewrite some chapters of his own past as well.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGringo (2018)
An American businessman with a stake in a pharmaceutical company that's about to go public finds his life is thrown into turmoil by an incident in Mexico.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
SnoozefestMovies like thisGone in Sixty Seconds (2000)
Ex-car thief Randall Raines is forced out of retirement to save his brother Kip after a boost gone wrong. With the help of allies old and new, they race to meet the demands of notorious crime boss Raymond Calitri as the police are in hot pursuit.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Newton Boys (1998)
The story of the Newton gang, the most successful bank robbers in history, owing to their good planning and minimal violence.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisEnd of Watch (2012)
Two young officers are marked for death after confiscating a small cache of money and firearms from the members of a notorious cartel during a routine traffic stop.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBefore the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007)
When two brothers organize the robbery of their parents' jewelry store, the job goes horribly wrong, triggering a series of events that send them and their family hurtling towards a shattering climax.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRumble Fish (1983)
Absent-minded street thug Rusty James struggles to live up to his legendary older brother's reputation, and longs for the days of gang warfare.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisViolent Ends (2025)
A man raised in a violent crime family struggles to build an honest life with his fiancée but is dragged back into the criminal world after his cousin’s armed robbery leaves an innocent person caught in the crossfire.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLegend (2015)
Suave, charming and volatile, Reggie Kray and his unstable twin brother Ronnie start to leave their mark on the London underworld in the 1960s. Using violence to get what they want, the siblings orchestrate robberies and murders while running nightclubs and protection rackets. With police Detective Leonard "Nipper" Read hot on their heels, the brothers continue their rapid rise to power and achieve tabloid notoriety.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNew Jack City (1991)
A gangster, Nino, is in the Cash Money Brothers, making a million dollars every week selling crack. A cop, Scotty, discovers that the only way to infiltrate the gang is to become a dealer himself.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPulp Fiction (1994)
A burger-loving hit man, his philosophical partner, a drug-addled gangster's moll and a washed-up boxer converge in this sprawling, comedic crime caper. Their adventures unfurl in three stories that ingeniously trip back and forth in time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Forger (2014)
A former child art prodigy and second generation petty thief arranges to buy his way out of prison to spend time with his ailing son, only to be forced to alter his plans and commit one more job for the man who financed his release.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
SnoozefestMovies like thisDiablo (2025)
Ex-con Kris Chaney seizes the daughter of a Colombian gangster to fulfill a noble promise to the young girl's mother. When her father enlists both the criminal underworld and a psychotic killer to exact his revenge, Kris relies on everything he's ever learned to stay alive and keep his word.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDeadfall (2012)
A thriller that follows two siblings who decide to fend for themselves in the wake of a botched casino heist, and their unlikely reunion during another family's Thanksgiving celebration.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Weak Ones (2017)
Victor has a scuffle with a thirteen-year-old boy who is part of a gang. Hours later he finds his beloved dogs murdered. He gets his gun and begins a journey on board his pick-up truck on a path that will take him across the hostile land of Sinaloa. In his search for clues he will meet disturbing and eccentric characters who may or may not tell the truth about the whereabouts of the young criminal.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime
Every Breath We Take (2026)
A murder investigation in a small rural town, marked by silences and loyalties, uncovers old secrets. Adoniran, a respected investigator, sees his life collapse when he goes from agent to prime suspect. While trying to prove his innocence, Saulo, Special Agent of Internal Affairs, returns to his hometown and must confront memories he would rather forget. Inner conflicts, fragile alliances, and unresolved recollections make the search for truth increasingly dangerous.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime
Pay The Price (2014)
When a college freshman gets fired, he begins looking for new ways to pay for school. Along the way, he stumbles across a drug deal and sees his opening. Things get off to a quick and easy start, but when a big deal goes wrong, he must reconsider what is truly best for him.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime
Mortal World (2018)
Mermer family, who has been managing a restaurant called “Anatolian flavors” in Haydarpasa train station for generations, consist of 8 members. Even though this family leads a quiet simple life, they will end up finding themselves in complicated situations. Moreover, this family has been keeping a secret for a long time and it just can’t come out at any cost..
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSergeant Rutledge (1960)
Respected black cavalry Sergeant Brax Rutledge stands court-martial for raping and killing a white woman and murdering her father, his superior officer.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBar Noir (2022)
The killers Aura and Pierre-Joseph each receive a new target to kill at the bar noir. The shock is incredible when the former lovers stand face to face with each other in the bar.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime
Rancor (2022)
Toni, a former mob boss, reunites his former enemies to put his past behind him.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime
Caracas Vice Vol. 2 (2017)
Ryan of the DEA will face again the most dangerous drug lord of Venezuela, this time with new friends, in 1983.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime
El mochaorejas (1998)
A bloodthirsty thief who cuts off the ears of his enemies must face against the vengeful wrath of two of his victims.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime
Sugar Hill (1994)
In the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, the Mafia steps in when a drug dealer quits his partner and brother to lead a straight life with his girlfriend.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Cartel?
The closest matches to Cartel are American Sicario (2021), Contraband (2012) and Out of the Furnace (2013). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Cartel?
Start with American Sicario (2021), the closest match to Cartel.
What is the highest-rated movie like Cartel?
Pulp Fiction (1994), rated 8.5/10 by 31,302 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Cartel?
Every Breath We Take (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Cartel?
Yes: American Sicario (2021), Contraband (2012) and Out of the Furnace (2013).
How are movies similar to Cartel chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Cartel, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.